Luxury Turkey Holidays

Turkey is a spectacular country where fantastic archaeological sites mingle with the natural beauty of pine-clad hillsides and long wide beaches. The Bodrum area on the Aegean Coast blends remnants of the ancients with a delightful climate, fantastic scenery, charming waterfront restaurants and magnificent beaches. The Turquoise Coast boasts sweeping bays and pine-clad hills, crystal clear aquamarine waters, miles of protected coastline, verdant valleys and ancient sites dating back to the Lycian era. The part of the Mediterranean coast known as the Turkish Riviera boasts stunning mountain scenery, beautiful beaches, secluded coves and vast pine forests, and coupled with numerous historical sites and a plethora of watersports, it provides the perfect holiday destination.

At Classic Collection Holidays we have a fantastic range of high quality all inclusive holidays in Turkey with many of the hotels holding a 5 Star rating, making Turkey the perfect choice for a family holiday.

Climate

The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts experience hot, dry summers and the mild winters last only from December to March.

Cuisine

Turkey boasts a wide variety of restaurants ranging from sophisticated gourmet restaurants and chic cafés, to waterfront fish restaurants, local neighbourhood lokantas and authentic kebab houses. Traditional cuisine tends to be seasonal and each region has its own specialities. A meal starts with meze, a selection of small appetisers including vine leaves, aubergines, simple dips and deliciously filled savoury pastries. Main courses include fresh fish, lamb or chicken prepared in a variety of ways although most often served as chicken kebabs or kofte, small lamb burgers. Dessert menus normally consists of fresh fruit, sutlac, a milky rice pudding, or baklava, layers of filo pastry with honey soaked pistachios, and Turkish Delight. Turkish tea is black with sugar, and Turkish coffee is served in a variety of strengths: sade, plain, orta, with a touch of sugar, or sekerli, very sweet. Although predominantly a Muslim country, alcohol is widely available in hotels and tourist resorts. The traditional spirit is the aniseed based rakiand in addition to imported labels, there are less expensive, Turkish red and white wines, and locally brewed Efes beer.

Currency & tipping

The new Turkish Lira, Yeni Turk Lira, divided into 100 kurus, is available from ATM machines with English instructions, and banks. Tipping provides many Turks with a large percentage of their income and although a hefty tip will be included in your restaurant bill, it is customary that you leave an additional tip for good service. Credit cards are widely accepted in resort areas, although if you veer off the beaten track it’s a good idea to take cash.

Language

Turkish is the official language although English is relatively widely understood in hotels and resort areas.

Religion

Turkey is 99% Muslim and although visitors are welcome to visit mosques, it is expected that everyone will adhere to strict clothing guidelines including the removal of shoes and the covering of arms, legs and (women’s) heads.

Visas

British Citizens must obtain a visa online prior to travel by visiting http://www.evisa.gov.tr/en from 90 days prior to travel and are currently charged at 35USD per person (plus €1.05 service fee). For latest visa information visit http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa or contact the Turkish Embassy tel 0207 393 0202.

Customers must also hold a full ten-year passport to enter Turkey. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 60 days from the date of expiry of the visitor visa. You should ensure that your British passport has a blank page for a visa stamp. For more visa information please visit our frequently asked questions page.

A state of emergency has been in place in Turkey since July 2016. Whilst this is not expected to affect tourists you should carry a copy of your passport and e-visa at all times.

Golf

Turkey is emerging as a golf destination with two courses just outside Istanbul, two in Bodrum and 10 international standard courses in Belek near Antalya where the wonderful surroundings of the Mediterranean Sea and the fragrant pine forests are backed by the magnificent Taurus Mountains. For further information about golf, including carriage of clubs and tee time bookings, please contact our reservations team.

Diving

There are many dive centres offering PADI certified courses, and with crystal clear, warm waters and good visibility, diving is popular especially around Fethiye and Oludeniz where there’s wall and reef dives, drop-offs, caverns, canyons and swim throughs, and a colourful marine life including octopus, scorpion fish, stingray and turtles. Please note that due to the amount of underwater antiquities, scuba diving is only permitted in authorised areas.